Nature
National Right Whale Conservation Center
Instituto Australis visitor center in Imbituba, with a 14 m right whale skeleton and a deck for whale watching. Free entry.
From the Residencial: About 53.1 km by car
Open route in Google Maps (opens in a new tab) Waze (opens in a new tab)
At Praia de Itapirubá Norte, in Imbituba, is the headquarters of Instituto Australis and the Franca Austral Project (ProFRANCA), which study and follow the right whales along the Santa Catarina coast.
The visitor center has the skeleton of a 14-meter adult right whale, a life-size calf replica, skeletons of other species, taxidermied animals, panels on the whale's biology and conservation, a video room and a deck for whale watching in season.
Points of interest
- 14-meter skeleton: of an adult right whale, with a life-size calf replica.
- Observation deck: to look for whales in season.
- Right whale season: from July to November.
- Praia de Itapirubá Norte: the beach where the center is, in Imbituba.
Getting there
Avenida Atlântica, s/n, Praia de Itapirubá Norte, Imbituba. Free visits Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm, booked on the Instituto Australis website. Groups of more than 10 people book on +55 48 99127-8961, 72 hours ahead.
Features
A visitor center with the skeleton of a 14 m adult right whale, a life-size calf replica, skeletons of other species, taxidermied animals, panels, a video room and an observation deck facing the sea.
Things to do
Learn about right whale biology, migration and conservation, see the skeleton up close and, in season, look for whales from the deck. A good stop when visiting the beaches of Imbituba.
Safety tips
Check the hours before you go, especially on holidays.
Source: Instituto Australis (Projeto Franca Austral) (opens in a new tab).
